Point of Care Blood Lead Testing Instrument & Sensor

This research aims to develop a low-cost, portable, rugged instrument/disposable sensor systemfor performing measurement of lead levels in blood and environmental samples at virtually any site byan operator having minimal training. The test technology is based on the principles of potentiometricstripping analysis (PSA) using disposable screen-printed electrodes having built-in self calibrationfeatures. Goals of the research include proving the feasibility of performing blood lead measurementsusing screen printed disposable electrodes, the development of screen printing techniques and devicedesigns allowing low-cost mass producing of sensors with feature size under 125 microns, andevaluation of use of internal standards as a means to obtain accurate, user-independent calibration forlow-cost disposable sensors. Studies will include detailed assessment of measurement parameters andtheir effect on analytical results, assessment of decomplexation agents, development of instrumentsoftware analytical algorithms, and assessment of manufacturing techniques and variables. Techniqueswill also be assessed for fabrication of fine-line printed electrodes in high volume, including assessmentof electrode materials and of reagent composition. A pilot clinical study of measurement of lead inhuman specimens is also planned.